Seasoned campaigners Kyle Turner and Dave Tyrrell are confident the Rabbitohs can handle the loss of star playmaker Adam Reynolds as they prepare for this weekend's Downer NRL Auckland Nines.
Reynolds was withdrawn from South Sydney's squad earlier in the week with hamstring tightness, but his teammates are adamant they can still compete despite being without the 2015 Player of the Tournament.
"Obviously 'Reyno' added a lot to this team with his kicking game which is second to none. But him being out doesn't change our thought process at all," Turner told NRL.com at a community event in South Auckland.
"We're going to go out there and do our best. The Nines is about working for each other and doing the little things, and him not being there won't change that for us.
"We're not treating this any differently to a normal game. We're going out there to win and that's our mindset. If you're not here to win then what's the point of being here?"
Tyrell echoed his teammate's sentiments, telling NRL.com that the onus was on the rest of the squad to get the job done in the halfback's stead.
"Reyno is a big loss because he's a great player, but we've still got nine players who'll be out there and everyone will give their all," Tyrrell said.
"There's a lot more space and a lot more opportunity to play some exciting footy. For Souths, we just want to play our brand and we'll hold ourselves to those standards.
"That said, you won't see any chip-and-chases from me otherwise I'll get in trouble with the coaches and my teammates."
Like his fellow forward, Turner said he wouldn't do any kicking this weekend. Instead, he anointed Cody Walker as the man to step into Reynolds' shoes, and backed the five-eighth to continue his impressive start in Rabbitohs colours.
"I don't think I have a kicking licence so don't expect me to kick," Turner said.
"Cody will take it under his wing to lead us around the park. I'm excited for him because he's worked so hard since he joined the club and I'm sure he'll take this opportunity with both hands."
